Harmos – Kraków”: A Soul‑Stirring 50th‑Anniversary Reimagining of Barry Guy’s Orchestral Masterpiece

“Harmos – Kraków” is a remarkable re-release from Barry Guy’s London Jazz Composers Orchestra (LJCO), originally recorded during their 50th‑anniversary concerts in March 2020 and issued in 2022 by Poland’s Not Two Records as part of the expansive 6-CD box set Kraków 2020.

The centerpiece, “Harmos,” first composed in 1987 and recorded in 1989, stands as one of LJCO’s most enduring and beloved works. Performed in Krakow over three celebratory days, the piece received a powerful live rendition on March 8, 2020, capturing both orchestral grandeur and electrifying improvisation.

John Sharpe, in his liner notes, wrote:

“Long a staple of the LJCO repertoire… This rendition was powerful and moving, studded throughout with absolute dynamite individual contributions…and furnished a fitting conclusion to a fabulous event…It was an incredibly stirring and moving experience which well merited the consequent prolonged standing ovation.” 

At its heart, “Harmos” marries melody and improvisation, free-form solos woven into a bold orchestral tapestry. Critical analysis highlights its symphonic arc beginning with dramatic trombone duets, bursting into folk-tinged themes, Wagnerian hunts, and culminating in a frenetic orchestral climax layered with improvisation.

The lineup spans 17 virtuoso musicians globally, including pianists Agustí Fernández, Michael Niesemann, saxophonists Torben Snekkestad, Simon Picard, trombonists Konrad Bauer, Alan Tomlinson, trumpeters Henry Lowther, Rich Laughlin, tuba, violin, dual bass, and percussion. Their collective fire power is matched by deep nuance—from tuba’s whispered tones to soaring strings and sax solos.

With nearly half a century behind it, the LJCO continues to balance improvisational freedom with architectural compositional rigor. As Barry Guy muses, “my music is about the struggle for survival,” and with “Harmos,” he strikes squarely at the soul—both literally and musically.

This reissue isn’t simply archival—it is a living testament to an orchestra that thrives on tension and transformation, delivering a transcendent performance that is as moving today as it was fifty years ago.

Personnel on “Harmos – Kraków”:

• Barry Guy (bass, director)

• Agustí Fernández (piano)

• Michael Niesemann, Jürg Wickihalder (alto saxophone)

• Torben Snekkestad (tenor & soprano saxophone)

• Simon Picard (tenor saxophone)

• Julius Gabriel (baritone saxophone)

• Konrad Bauer, Andreas Tschopp, Alan Tomlinson (trombone)

• Henry Lowther, Martin Eberle, Rich Laughlin (trumpet)

• Marc Unternährer (tuba)

• Phil Wachsmann (violin)

• Bruno Chevillon (bass)

• Lucas Niggli (drums, percussion)